Governments around the world are restricing and moderating content online. Just one year ago, Germany introduced its NetzDG law, forcing social media platforms to remove content it considers illegal. This raises serious concerns for its citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and information.

The German law is also being used by Russia to justify its own restrictive practices. Internet freedom has come under increasing attack in Russia, where a raft of new laws has allowed for blocking of websites, harassment of online media outlets and arrests and imprisonment of users because of content they post. Furthermore, Russian authorities are attempting to force Internet companies to support these censorship initiatives and provide information about their users.

What are the harms of laws like NetzDG at home or abroad? What is the impact for fundamental freedoms when countries turn to companies like Google or Facebook to police the web? And what are the alternatives?